Category: Italy

Florence, the symbol of the renaissance is an open-air museum. No need to go inside any monument; the walk through the city is the way to see the beauty of the 600 years of artistic work. Here is a 2-day walking guide to admire that chef-d’oeuvre.

My travel App: Ulmon. It has all the sightseeing places saved and most of the restaurants and bars as well. It can be used offline which is very practical.

My booking site: Tripmasters.com . This is my 3rd time going through them to arrange my travel plans and I love the site. They have a great itinerary suggestion, hotels and all for a great price.

My Hotel: Hotel Vasari Palace, a former monastery, is a beautiful traditional hotel situated by the train station in a pedestrian zone. I love to stay in traditional hotels where I can feel the charm and the history of the city. Great location, great service, great room and great price.

Start at the Train Station from where you can see the Church of S Maria Novella. Take the small pedestrian streets to get to San Lorenzo Basilica and Palazzo Medici. You can quickly go inside both monuments if you want, but again I don’t think it’s worth it. However, take a moment to admire the San Lorenzo Basilica from outside and go to the courtyard of Palazzo Medici to see the David by Donatello. Then, head to San Lorenzo Food and Flea Market. The covered food market is the perfect stop for lunch and the flea market is the perfect place for some souvenir purse shopping. After that cultural break, walk to the Duomo and the Baptistery. The entrance to the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore is free but to go up the Duomo you will have to get tickets in advance. In front of the Duomo, in the middle of the Piazza you will see the Baptistery and the east door of it called Gate of Paradise. The Duomo Piazza and the Cathedral are just breathtaking. The Piazza next to it via the pedestrian passage of Via de Calzaiuoli is where is Piazza Signoria with Palazzo Vecchio and Loggia dei Lanzi, a lodge full of inspiring statues. Palazzo Vecchio is not an impressive palace if you have been to Versailles. You can easily skip it. You can seat at one of the cafes on that square like the Rivoire Café to take a moment to absorb all that beauty. Walk then towards Ponte Vecchio by passing by Uffizi Gallery Courtyard where you can admire statues and check out the work of the painters in the courtyard. You can admire the sunset from there or even better from the bridge next to it Ponte Trinite. The neighborhood of San Spirito next to those bridges is not that touristy yet and is full of great locals’ restaurants and bar. Great way to finish that first walking tour day.

Piazza Signoria

Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore

Gate of Paradise

Loggia dei Lanzi

Ponte Vecchio

Florence

Day 2

Start your day at Galleria dell Academia. Make sure you bought your ticket in advance as the line can get very long very fast. The museum is fairly small and the main attraction is the Statue of David by Michelangelo. David is enthroned in the middle of the museum. You should then walk towards Via de Tomabuoni the shopping street of Florence for why not shopping session. Then cross that Ponte Trinite to go to Pitti Palace. The ticket will allow you to visit the palace, the exhibition, the Boboli Garden and the Bardini Garden. The only attractions worth visiting, I believe. The palace is beautiful and you will get the feel for the grandeur of the Italians monarch. The Boboli gardens are beyond beautiful and as you go up you get to see more and more of that legendary Florence from the above view. There is a cave on the corner of the garden; don’t miss it. It is one of the unusual things to see in Florence. You can go up the small narrow street of old Florence, classified UNESCO World heritage to go to Giardino Bardini Gardens. The Building is a museum and has a very interesting exhibiting. The gardens are bigger than Boboli garden and majestic. Finish your walk uphill at the Forte di Belvedere where you will have the best view of Florence and the sunset. For dinner, you can head across the Arno River to Santa Croce.

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Lucca is a walled medieval city a few hours away from Florence. It is the perfect carpe diem day getaway destination if you decide to spend some time in Tuscany.

Take the train; the best way to visit Italy. The train station is right outside of the walls. Enter the fortress city and the first thing you will see is the Lucca Cathedral. On Sundays, there is a flea market from the front of the Cathedral to Napoleon Square. On Napoleon Square, there is the Sunday food market. it is the perfect place to get a local food for lunch and then go sit on the rampart to enjoy it. The ramparts are the place to take a lunch break or bike around the city. Passagiate delle Muro or the tree line pathway on that 16th, 17th-century ramparts is very peaceful and magical.

The Treeline Pathway

Lucca Cathedral

Lucca Cathedral

The Ramparts

Sunday Flea Market

From the Cathedral, walk towards El Torre Guinigi. Make the effort to go on top of the tower to have a great view of the brick roof city. There is also a garden on top of the tower; a garden in the sky.

El Torre Guinigi and the Sky Garden

Lucca, View from El Torre Guinigi

Lucca from El Torre Guinigi

Walk towards the main square, Piazza Amfiteatro for all the cafes and little stores. The Frediano Church is in front of the piazza.

Piazza AmfiteatroFrediano Church

Take the small streets of the old town to St Michele Square full of cafes like the Buccellato Taddeucci café bakery.

St Michele in Foro

For a sweet break, go to Gelaterium, where you can have a gelato and swing! Going back to childhood feels great. It is by Napoleon Square.

Gelaterium

Top 10 things to do in Lucca

Bike on the ramparts around the walled city

Have a gelato and swing at the Gelaterium

Get lost in the old town

Have coffee and a cake at Buccellato Taddeucci café bakery on St Michele Square

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The Best way to see South of Italy is by Public Transportation; train, buses and boats.

I started my Italy Journey in Venice and got to Naples by Train. For the big city connections, I made all my reservations online at trainialia.com. But for the one day trips it is better to just get the ticket once at the train station. The Italian trains, frecciarossas, Red Arrows in English, are the best way to visit different cities in Italy. They are indeed as fast as an arrow.

Naples

I got to Naples by train then. Naples can seem chaotic compare to the other Italian cities like Florence; cars are double parked, everybody in honking and the streets are so narrow. But somehow, it is charming. By the train station stop eat Da Michele Pizzeria, you will have the best pizza in the world.

Da Michele Pizza

Naples Old Town, protected once by the walls is now a very busy charming historical center of the city full of souvenir shops, cafes and pizzerias. Make sure to have a pizza at Sorbillo, one of the most famous pizzeria in Italy. Have the local pastry called Sfogliatelle at Scaturchio café right in the heart of the historical center in front of one of the most prominent churches of Naples, San Domenico Maggiore. You can get lost in the small streets and just enjoy the different churches. If you walk towards Piazza Dante, you will pass by few bars by a square; that square gets very animated at night and it is a lively place to go after dinner and grab few drinks with locals and students. Continue your walk; you will pass by the booksellers streets. You can start seeing why Naples, despite being a big busy city, it kept its southern charm.

Naples Sorbillo Pizza

Booksellers Street

Gay Odin Gelato

SO Naples

Naples Historical Center

Palazzo Sanfelice

Sfogliatelle at Scaturchio café

The other great neighborhood in Naples is the port area. Take the metro to Castel Nuovo. You can visit Castel Nuovo from where you can have a great view of the port. Stop at Piazza de Plebiscito to admire the architecture of that square with the colorful houses behind it that makes a great contrast. From there you can visit the Royal Palace. Walk down toward the port. In front of you the ocean with when the sky is clear Mt Vesuvius on the background, on the right Castel Dell’Ovo and behind, those narrow streets with, at every window, linen stretched for drying.

Naples Piazza de Plebiscito

SO Naples

Castel Sant’Elmo

Naples Port

Last neighborhood in Naples worth going is Vomero. Take the funicular all the way up to Vomero. Skip Castel Sant’Elmo and continue your walk toward the view point. From there you will have Naples under your feet. You can now take the stairs, Scale della Pedamentina, down .The view from the above of Naples doesn’t get any better. On your way down, you will have to take Spaccanapoli the narrow straight street that literally splits Naples in 2 parts.

Naples from Vomero

Scale della Pedamentina

Spaccanapoli

Pompeii

From Naples, there is a train every 30 minutes to Pompeii. Only one hour away from Naples, the ruins of Pompeii “provide a complete and vivid picture of society and daily life at a specific moment in the past that is without parallel anywhere in the world”. Despite the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 that destroyed a lot of the town, there are still a lot of remains of that ancient Roman civilization that show us how they used to live. As I walked through the streets well structured, pass by the very first pedestrian crosswalks ,the houses, temples and theaters , I could see how smart and sophisticated they were , how they were managing their city and how they gave importance to art, religion and politics. We did learn from that civilization and it is indeed important to preserve that past.

Pompeii – The Forum

Pompeii Streets

Pompeii

Pompeii

Pompeii

Pompeii

Pompeii Art

Pompeii

Pompeii – Pedestrian Crosswalk

Amalfi Coast

Only few hours away with train from Naples, the Amalfi Coast is formed by small villages that are clinging to the mountain. The bus ride between the villages through the very curvy road can be hard to handle for some people but the view is priceless. The famous villages that you can go to with the SITA bus are Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello and Salerno. Each village will dazzle you with its colorful houses, breathtaking costal view and amazing food. ‘Costiera Amalfitana is an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape, with exceptional cultural and natural scenic values resulting from its dramatic topography and historical evolution.

The train from Naples will take you to Sorrento and from there you can take the bus to go to the other villages. Then take the train back to Naples at the last village, Salerno. My favorite village is Positano so if you only have a day , spend it mostly at Positano. The bus will drop you off on top of the village. Walk down to the village; enjoy the view of that city snugged to the mountain. Stop at the Il Capitano for lunch. No other restaurant will beat that view. At the village, you can enjoy some sun at the beach or shop at the small shops in the alleys.

At Sorrento , check out the unusual Vallone dei Mulini an old sawmill that has been abandoned and surrounded by nature and sea now. At Amalfi, admire the Amalfi Cathedral, imposing in the middle of the square or the fountain that is also a nativity display scene.

Ravello Sunset

Sorrento – Vallone dei Mulini

Amalfi Coast

Positano

Amlfi – the fountain that is also a nativity display scene

Positano – Beer with a View

Capri

Take the boat to Capri form Naples Port. It is only a 50 minutes ride. You can’t see everything in 1 day in Capri so you have to choose between seeing the Blue Grotto and have a tour of the island or go to Anacapri and Capri Village.

I’ve heard so much about the Grotta Azzurra that as soon as we got to Capri main port, Marina Grande I took the island tour that also takes you to the famous cave. There is always a wait to go inside of the cave but it’s worth it. You will get on a small boat and go inside of that cave where the water is unbelievably blue. You will get to stay in that magical place for few minutes. Take time to admire that water, your rower might start singing some old Italians songs and make the moment even more dreamlike.

You will then make a tour of the island , passing by one of the oldest Lighthouse at Punta Carena. You will then stop at Grotta Verde, a sea cave where the water seems green. You will pass under the natural arches and the Lover Arch.

You can take the funicular to go to Capri Village. It has a main square with all the restaurants and shops around it. Take the stairs down back to the port; you will have a great view of the island on your way down.

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Pisa is all about the Leaning Tower. Half a Day is sufficient to see the city.

From The train station, take the main artery Corso Italia which is the pedestrian passage to get to Piazza Dei Miracoli. By there you have the Piazza del Duomo, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. The Piazza is the place where all the Pisa must see are including the famous leaning tower of Pisa that “had a great influence on monumental art in Italy from the 11th to the 14th century.” You can go inside the tower and while going up you can feel the tower is leaning. You will always be attracted to the walls which make the walking up the stairs a little bit difficult. From the top of the tower, you will have an amazing view of the Piazza and its monuments, the Cathedral, the Baptistery and the Cemetery as well as the whole city.

Pisa from the Above

Piazza Dei Miracoli

Piazza Dei Miracoli

Pisa Baptisery

Pisa Cathedral

Inside Pisa Cathedral

on top of the Leaning Tower

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Exit the Piazza to go see the Cathedral of Saint Caterina d’Allessandria and you can stroll in the park in front of it.

Cathedral of Saint Caterina d’Allessandria

Cathedral of Saint Caterina d’Allessandria

Then head the other main square, the Knights’ Square. On that Cavalieri square, that used to be the political center of the city, you have the Church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri, Palazzo de Corovana, and the Clock Tower. Stand in the middle to have a 360-degree view of that beautiful Piazza.

Knights’ Square – Palazzo de Corovana

Knights’ Square – Church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri

Finally walk back towards the Arno River. Take a leisure walk along all the colorful houses by the river. By the rover, you will see a very small Gothic church. It is the Church of Santa Maria della Spina. It is very unusual to see that small church in the middle of the city between the River the houses. Unfortunately, we can’t go inside of it.

Arno River

Gothic Church of Santa Maria della Spina

Gothic Church of Santa Maria della Spina

Colorful Houses by Arno River

Pisa is a small walled city and if you are on a busy tourist schedule, it is the perfect city to slow down and just enjoy Italy.

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Did you know Italy has the most UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world?

UNESCO, the United Nations for Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, establishes each year and handful of sites around the globe, World Heritage Sites since 1972. That means those unique and diverse sites are landmarks that have some cultural, historical or scientific value that is important to humanity and they should be legally protected by international treaties. By accepting the World Heritage Site label, the countries where the site is located, promises to carry on the mission established by UNESCO to safeguard the site and promote the awareness around it.

As the UNESCO Committee said: “Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritages are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. What makes the concept of World Heritage exceptional is its universal application. World Heritage sites belong to all the peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located.”

Italy has the most UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world with 51 sites; 47 cultural and 4 natural sites.

By going to Italy and cross the country from North to South with train I got the chance to come across many of those UNESCO World Heritage Sites.Here are the Cultural World Heritage Sites I passed by and their amazing history and heritage:

Only one hour away from Naples, the ruins of Pompeii “provide a complete and vivid picture of society and daily life at a specific moment in the past that is without parallel anywhere in the world”. Despite the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 that destroyed a lot of the town, there are still a lot of remains of that ancient Roman civilization that show us how they used to live. As I walked through the streets well structured, pass by the very first pedestrian crosswalks ,the houses, temples and theaters , I could see how smart and sophisticated they were , how they were managing their city and how they gave importance to art, religion and politics. We did lean from that civilization and it is indeed important to preserve that past.

Assisi, the hilly medieval city few hours away from Rome, is a Religious town since it is the birthplace of the Franciscan Order. As a matter of fact, the day I visited the city the Pope was in the Basilica and so nobody was allowed to go in the premises. You will see there the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli that was built around Chapelle Porziuncola to preserve the Chapelle.

I went to Milan few years ago and I had the chance to be able to see “The Last Supper” by Da Vinci. It is impossible to get a ticket as an individual and you have to go with a tour. They make you go to a small room first and then to the big room with the painting on. The first room looks like the disinfestation rooms that you see in the movies. You can’t stay in front of the masterpiece for too long but they give you enough time to appreciate it.

The Amalfi Coast is formed by small villages that are clinging to the mountain. The bus ride between the villages through the very curvy road can be hard to handle for some people but the view is priceless. The famous villages that you can go to with the SITA bus are Sorrento, Positano, my favorite, Amalfi, Ravello and Salerno. Each village will dazzle you with its colorful houses, breathtaking costal view and amazing food. ‘Costiera Amalfitana is an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape, with exceptional cultural and natural scenic values resulting from its dramatic topography and historical evolution.”

Florence, symbol of the renaissance is an open air museum. No need to go inside any monument; the walk through the city is the way to see the beauty of the 600 years of artistic work. Here is a 2 day walking guide to admire that chef d’oeuvre.

Start at the Train Station from where you can see the Church of S Maria Novella. Take the small pedestrian streets to get to San Lorenzo Basilica and Palazzo Medici. You can quickly go inside both monuments if you want; but again I don’t think it’s worth it. However take a moment to admire the San Lorenzo Basilica from outside and go to the courtyard of Palazzo Medici to see the David by Donatello. Then, head to San Lorenzo Food and Flea Market. The covered food market is the perfect stop for lunch and the flea market is the perfect place for some souvenir purse shopping. After that cultural break, walk to the Duomo and the Baptistery. The entrance to the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore is free but to go up the Duomo you will have to get tickets in advance. In front of the Duomo, in the middle of the Piazza you will see the Baptistery and the east door of it called Gate of Paradise. The Duomo Piazza and the Cathedral are just breathtaking. The Piazza next to it via the pedestrian passage of Via de Calzaiuoli is where is Piazza Signoria with Palazzo Vecchio and Loggia dei Lanzi, a lodge full of inspiring statues . Palazzo Vecchio is not an impressive palace if you have been to Versailles. You can easily skip it. You can seat at one of the cafes on that square like the Rivoire Café to take a moment to absorb all that beauty. Walk then towards Ponte Vecchio by passing by Uffizi Gallery Courtyard where you can admire statues and check out the work of the painters in the courtyard. You can admire the sunset from there or even better from the bridge next to it Ponte Trinite. The neighborhood of San Spirito next to those bridges is not that touristy yet and is full great locals’ restaurants and bar. Great way to finish that first walking tour day.

Start you day at Galleria dell Academia. Make sure you bought your ticket in advance as the line can get very long very fast. The museum is fairly small and the main attraction is the Statue of David by Michelangelo. David is enthroned in the middle of the museum. To see the rest of the museum, you should follow that 2 h guide– click here. You should then walk towards Via de Tomabuoni the shopping street of Florence for why not shopping session. Then cross that Ponte Trinite to go to Pitti Palace. The ticket will allow you to visit the palace, the exhibition, the Boboli Garden and the Bardini Garden. The only attractions worth visiting, I believe. The palace is beautiful and you will get the feel of the grandeur of the Italians monarch. The Boboli gardens are beyond beautiful and as you go up you get to see more and more of that legendary Florence from the above view. There is a cave on the corner of the garden; don’t miss it. It is one of the unusual things to see in Florence. You can go up the small narrow street of old Florence, classified UNESCO World heritage to go to Giardino Bardini Gardens. The Building is a museum and has a very interesting exhibiting. The gardens are bigger than Boboli garden and majestic. Finish your walk uphill at the Forte di Belvedere where you will have the best view of Florence and the sunset. For dinner you can head across the Arno River to Santa Croce.

I had the chance to stay in the old town defined by the Aragonese walls where the streets are narrow but full of life with its shops, busy cafes, pizza places and churches (Naples has 448 churches). The old town life doesn’t stop at night as it is close to the university and the students gather in the piazzas to enjoy a drink. By the bay you can enjoy the port and the castles or you can go up the hill to have the view of the whole Naples and Mt Vesuvius.

Capital of the Christian world since the 4th century, Rome is an open air museum with monuments of antiquity like the Colosseum, the complex of the Roman and the Imperial Forums, construction from Renaissance and Baroque periods like Piazza Novano and Pizza del Popolo and civil and religious buildings like Capitoline Hill.

How many modern cities can say they’ve been built around ancient monuments and they have been able to preserve and promote that heritage? You can add to that heritage the beauty from sites like the Fountain of Trevi or the Spanish Steps. To have energy to visit those sites make sure to have enough past and wine.

San Gimignano is a Tuscan gem. It is a medieval hilltop town. I had the chance to walk through the old narrow passages of that medieval town; the small shops have great souvenirs. You can see the triangular Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza del Duomo where you will found painters working on their art. What you will see a lot on those paintings is towers; indeed the patrician families who controlled the town built around 72 tower-houses as symbols of their wealth and power, however only 14 have survived. Go towards the walls, and it is a high town you will get to enjoy the view of all the nearby wineries.

I took a tour of that city and met the guide at the main square Piazza del Campo. “This Tuscan city developed on three hills connected by three major streets forming a Y-shape and intersecting in a valley that became the Piazza del Campo.” Piazza del Campo is the home to Siena’s Horse race called Palio. That race, organized twice a year, see ten of the seventeen contrada or districts of the city circle the narrow piazza three times or usually 90 seconds after which there is only one jockey left on his horse. The palio maintains the rivalry that exists between all the contrada and reanimate all the passion people have for their contrada. We then had and chance to visit the Contrada’s Museum for Contrada of Aquila (Eagle) and learn the history behind that contrada. We then headed to Piazza del Duomo to admire the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta; what a majestic cathedral. We finally walked through the historic center of Siena that has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site to get to Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico.

The Boboli Gardens that you can visit with Pitti Palace are the proof of a sensibility for landscape aesthetics that was developed during Renaissance. The Boboli Gardens are beyond beautiful and as you go up the garden you get to see more and more of that legendary Florence from the above view. There is a bizarre cave on the corner of the garden, the Buontalenti Grotto; don’t miss it. It is one of the unusual things to see in Florence showing the Florentine Mannerist style in a magical and beautiful way.

The Piazza is the place where all the Pisa must see are including the famous leaning tower of Pisa that “had a great influence on monumental art in Italy from the 11th to the 14th century.” You can go inside the tower and while going up you can feel the tower is leaning. You will always be attracted to the walls which makes the walking up the stairs a little bit difficult. From the top of the tower, you will have an amazing view of the Piazza and its monuments, the Cathedral, the Baptistery and the Cemetery as well as the whole city.

Cinque Terre has a “cultural landscape of great scenic and cultural value. The layout and disposition of the small towns and the shaping of the surrounding landscape, overcoming the disadvantages of a steep, uneven terrain, encapsulate the continuous history of human settlement in this region over the past millennium.” Cinque Terre National Park situated in Northern Italy, is probably the most famous hiking area in Italy. Trails connect the colorful fisherman villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare. The most popular trail is the Blue Trail; it will take you to the perfect hiking journey in that Rainbow Land.

“Founded in the 5th century and spread over 118 small islands, Venice became a major maritime power in the 10th century. The whole city is an extraordinary architectural masterpiece in which even the smallest building contains works by some of the world’s greatest artists such as Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese and others.”

Take a half a day tour of some Venetian Lagoon islands Murano, Burano and Torcello. The boat takes the San Marco Canal and passes along the island of San Giorgio Maggiore and Arsenale to get to Murano. Murano is famous for its glass manufacturing industry. Hence, we got to see a Glassmaking master at work in a factory. It was impressive to see how one can in just few minutes make an animal out of a liquid glass. We then went to Burano, famous for its lace and colorful fisherman houses. It was magical to be able to walk along all those colorful houses. You start your walk at the main square Piazza Galuppi, where you can visit the church of S. Martino, and then walk along the canal to discover the picturesque bright island. The tour ended with the 3rd island Torcello, the first center of civilization in the estuary. It takes about 10 minutes to get to the cathedral and the Church of S. Fosca.

Colors of Burano

Colors of Burano

Murano Glassmaker Master at work

Torcello Church of S. Fosca

See Venice like locals:

By the St Mark Square area you will see the Bridge of Sighs. You will pass by the uncompleted church of the Pietà by Canaletto but unfortunately it is in restoration and you can’t go inside for now. Then go to the Famous St Mark Basilica, admire the St Mark’s Clock Tower right next to it. You can go visit the tower and learn about the clock machinery by reserving in advance and go on top of St Mark Campanile Bell Tower. That elevator ride is worth it. You will have a beautiful view of St Mark Square and Venice in general. Visit the Dodge Palace or Palazzo Ducale. While visiting the palace you will pass inside the Bridge of Sighs and you will be able to see Venice from the inside.

Get a Vaporetto Ticket and ride along the Grand Canal. You will get to see all the Venetian style buildings like Palazzo Balbi, Ca Rezzonico by artist Canaletto or Ca D’oro, the 15th Century Gothic Palace and the Venice Casino, the world’s oldest casino built in 1638 and the beautiful city architecture. Hop on Vaporetto No 2 and go toisland of San Giorgio Maggiore. Situated in front of St Mark Square. The Church of the same name built in the 16th Century, has a bell tower that gives you a great view of Venice.

Don’t lock yourself in the museums and explore the Dorsoduro neighborhood by foot instead. Start your walk at Rialto Bridge. The Bridge is being restored but you can still enjoy one side of it. Walk along the canal to get to San Toma Vaporatto Stop. From there you can walk towards Frari Church inside of which you can see art from Venetian artist Titian. Along the walk you can see the Ca Fasconi University and Scuola Grande di San Rocco Museum where all the arts in the building are from artist Tintoretto. Around the same neighborhood, by Squero San Trovaso you can pass by a little construction site; it’s where they make the gondolas. Walk towards the end of the island, Punta della Dogana, to go to see the Guggenheim garden. Gorgeous. Visit the Santa Maria della Salute Church and just relax by sitting on those stairs and admire the Grand Canal. Cross the Accademia Bridge and go to La Fenice Theater. If you have time, go see a representation at night. If not, you can take a tour of the inside during the day. If they are having rehearsals some parts of the theater will be closed.

We first stopped at the Tuscan gems of San Gimignano. It is a medieval hilltop town. We had 30 minutes to walk around that walled city. Walk through the old narrow passages; the small shops have great souvenirs. You will soon get to the triangular Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza del Duomo where you will found painters working on their art. Go towards the walls and enjoy the view of all the nearby wineries.

San Gimignano Pizza del Duomo

San Gimignano Winery View

San Gimignano

San Gimignano

San Gimignano

San Gimignano Winery View

We then stopped in Siena for lunchtime. We had some times to grab lunch or just walk around on our way. Then we met up at the main square Piazza del Campo for a walking tour of the city. Piazza del Campo is the home to Siena’s Horse race called Palio. That race organized twice a year, see ten of the seventeen contrada or districts of the city circle the narrow piazza three times or usually 90 seconds after which there is only one jockey left on his horse. The Palio maintains the rivalry that exists between all the contrada and reanimates all the passion people have for their contrada. We then had a chance to visit the Contrada’s Museum for Contrada of Aquila (Eagle) and learn the history behind that contrada. We then headed to Piazza del Duomo to admire the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta; what a majestic cathedral. We finally walked through the historic center of Siena that has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site to get to Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico.

Siena

Siena under the rain

Siena Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico

Siena Piazza del Campo

Siena Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta

After all, those walking we traveled through the picturesque Chianti countryside, passed by olive groves, green hills, and vineyards to get to Chianti in Greve for a tasty wine tasting session at a great winery on the hillside. We tasted great white but of course red Chianti wine with some cheese. Make sure to leave with some wine and cheese. It is a great way to remember that day trip once you get back home. It was raining so we didn’t have the chance to walk around or go to the barrel cave.

Chianti in Greve Winery

Chianti in Greve Winery

Chianti in Greve infinite wineries

Chianti in Greve infinite wineries

Finally, you will get to see Greve. It’s a very small town. You can take a break the at the main square Piazza Giacomo Matteotti where you can admire the statue of Giovanni Verrazano and buy amazing salamis at Antica Macelleria Falorni.

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Cinque Terre National Park situated in Northern Italy is probably the most famous hiking area in Italy. Trails connect the colorful fisherman villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare. The most popular trail is the Blue Trail; it will take you to the perfect hiking journey in that Rainbow Land.

Take the train to La Spezia. At the train station, go to the Cinque Terre National Park Office to get your 24h pass. You will need that pass to be able to access the trails and take the train and buses between the villages.

For a while now, the trail between Riomaggiore and Manarola called Via del Amore and the trail between Manarola and Corniglia are closed for security reasons.

Cinque Terre Hiking Trail Start

You should then start the hiking journey at Corniglia. When you get off the train at Corniglia, you can walk to the village or take a bus. You are here to hike so start to walk to the village by taking the Lardarinato stairs. You will have a taste of what that hiking adventure will be; sometimes hard but the rewarding is so worth it. You should visit Corniglia before starting your hike. You can already sit down and catch your breath at Largo Taragio square or enjoy the best lemon Gelato at Alberto Gelateria.

Corniglia

Lardarinato stairs from Corniglia station to Village

Alberto Gelateria

Before starting the hike make sure you get your pass stamped at the village. All the hikes will start with an uphill since the villages are at sea level, then flat and finally downhill to the next village. The hikes between each village will take about 1h30min each. They are not that difficult at all, take your time during the uphill parts and enjoy the view. There are a lot of people on the trail and it is very easy to follow.

Corniglia to Vernazza– On that hike, you will have the sun behind you. The reward is when you get close to Vernazza and you can see the colorful village and port from far.

Corniglia

Trail Corniglia – Vernazza

Stop at Vernazza for lunch at any of the seafood restaurants by the port/beach or grab a seafood cone and seat down by the beach to enjoy the view. You can also go to the castle called Doris Castle. You can go up that castle for a colorful view of the village.

Vernazza

Vernazza – Look Up

Vernazza from Doris Castle

Vernazza

Vernazza to Monterosso al Mare – On the way to Monterosso, you will pass by some wineries. If you are planning to spend few days in Cinque Terre, you can take a tour of those wineries. You will have breaking view of the ocean during the whole hike. Approaching Monterosso, you will see the private beaches with their colorful beach umbrellas.

Wineries on the way to Monterosso Al Mare

Trail Vernazza – Monterosso Al Mare

Monterosso Al Mare has amazing beaches especially the private ones with their hypnotic blue and orange beach umbrellas. Seat down at one of the cafes now that you finished your hike.

Monterroso Al Mare

Monterroso Al Mare

Monterroso Al Mare

Monterosso Al Mare

You should now go back to the first two villages by train.

Manarola is the smallest village. Go down towards the beach with its colorful fisherman boats and the fact that there is no sand beach but only concrete sections don’t stop anybody from laying down and tan.

ManarolaManarolaManarolaManarola

was one of the favorite villages. Grab some seafood in a cone and go on top of the port to enjoy the food and the unique view. On top of the train station, at the start of Via del Amore, there is a restaurant called Bar e Vini a Pie de Ma and no other restaurant can beat that view. Finish your day with a glass of wine and the sunset.

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I booked my tour with Local Venice Tours and the tour as well as the guide were both great.

If you have a cramped schedule the half a day tour is the way to go to see the Venetian Lagoon islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.

The tour starts by St Mark Square. The boat takes the San Marco Canal and passes along the island of San Giorgio Maggiore with its church of the same name from the 16th Century and the Arsenale, the former Venetian industry site from the 13th Century

ArsenaleSan Giorgio Maggiore Island

Murano is famous for its glass manufacturing industry. Hence, we got to see a Glassmaking Master at work in a factory. It was impressive to see how one can in just a few minutes make an animal out of a liquid glass. We had the occasion to buy some work either jewelry or decoration for home at the factory after the demonstration. Or, we could go explore the island. Unfortunately, you won’t have enough time to explore fully the island. I wish I had another 30 minute.

Murano Glassmaker Master at workMurano Glass FactoryMurano

We then went to Burano.

Abandoned Island By Burano

Burano is famous for its lace and its colorful fisherman houses. We had 30 minutes on the island. It was magical to be able to walk along all those colorful houses. I just wanted to sit down and stare at them for hours. You start your walk at the main square Piazza Galuppi, where you can visit the church of S. Martino, and then walk along the canal to discover the picturesque bright island.

Colors of Burano

Colors of Burano

Colors of Burano

Burano

Colors of Burano

Colors of Burano

Colors of Burano

Colors of Burano

Colors of Burano

The tour ended with the 3rd island Torcello, the first center of civilization in the Estuary. It takes about 10 minutes to get to the cathedral and the Church of S. Fosca. Definitely the less impressive island.

Torcello

Torcello

Torcello Church of S. Fosca

Torcello

I know the company also offers a Burano and Murano only tour and it is fine to skip Torcello and only take that 2 islands tour. The tour, as well as the guide, were great. I just wish I had more time to spend in Murano and Burano and enjoy those rainbow islands.

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Forget about the pricey gondolas and get ready to use the public vaporetto and walk around the island. The best way to see Venice is to get lost on those streets and you will discover beauty in every corner.

My travel App: Ulmon. It has all the sightseeing places saved and most of the restaurants and bars as well. It can be used offline which is very practical.

My booking site: Tripmasters.com . This is my 3rd time going through them to arrange my travel plans and I love the site. They have a great itinerary suggestion, hotels and all for a great price.

My Hotel : Hotel Canaletto beautiful traditional hotel situated between St Mark Square and Rialto Bridge. I love to stay in traditional hotels where I feel like I’m in an authentic Venitian Palace. The rooms can also have a view on the Canal, perfect spot to just relax and enjoy a glass of wine. Great location, great service, great room and great price.

Day 1:

Start the day with a half a day tour of some Venetian Lagoon islands Murano, Burano, and Torcello. If you have time to spend a day in those islands, then take the vaporatto and go by yourself and fully enjoy Burano and Murano. If you have a cramped schedule the half a day tour is the way to go. The tour starts by St Mark Square. The boat takes the San Marco Canal and passes along the island of San Giorgio Maggiore and Arsenale to get to Murano. Murano is famous for its glass manufacturing industry. Hence, we got to see a Glassmaking master at work in a factory. It was impressive to see how one can in just a few minutes make an animal out of a liquid glass. After the demonstration, I went to explore the island but I have to say, there was not enough time to fully explore. We then went to Burano, famous for its lace and colorful fisherman houses. We had 30 minutes on the island. It was magical to be able to walk along all those colorful houses. You start your walk at the main square Piazza Galuppi , where you can visit the church of S. Martino, and then walk along the canal to discover the picturesque bright island. The tour ended with the 3rd island Torcello, the first center of civilization in the estuary. It takes about 10 minutes to get to the cathedral and the Church of S. Fosca. I booked my tour with Local Venice Tours and the tour as well as the guide were both great. I just wish I had more time to spend in Murano and Burano.

You will get back to St Mark Square by 2pm. Stay in the area to go to :

See the Bridge of Sighs

Bridge of Sighs

You will pass by the uncompleted church of the Pietà by Canaletto but unfortunately, it is in restoration and you can’t go inside for now.

The Famous St Mark Basilica – if you want to skip the line get your ticket online. If not make the line. The entrance is free. You can pay 5 euros and go on top of the basilica but it’s not worth it
St Mark BasilicaInside St Mark Basilica

St Mark Basilica

Admire the St Mark’s Clock Tower right next to it. You can go visit the tower and learn about the clock machinery by reserving in advance

St Mark Basilica Clock Tower

Go on top of St Mark Campanile Bell Tower. That elevator ride is worth it. You will have a beautiful view of St Mark Square and Venice in general.
St Mark Basilica from the aboveVenice from the aboveVenice from the aboveVenice from the above

St Mark Campanile Bell Tower

Visit the Dodge Palace or Palazzo Ducale.Again if you want to skip the line you can buy your tickets online. While visiting the palace you will pass inside the Bridge of Sighs and you will be able to see Venice from the inside.
Dodge Palace Gold StairsDodge PalaceDodge Palace Architectural details – Gothic Architecture

Inside Bridge of Sighs from Dodge Palace

Have a gelato at one of the best gelato places in Venice: La Mela Verde.

La Male Verde Vanilla Gelato

You can relax at one of the famous cafes on St Mark Square: Caffe Florian the oldest one where Goethe used to go to grab cappuccinos, Grancaffe Quadri where Proust used to go and have a cappuccino at Café Lavena. You can go to any of those places at night to have a good drink and enjoy their live music.

Caffe Florian

At night, you can also stop by Harry’s Bar, a very posh small bar between St Mark Square and Grand Canal

Day 2:

Get a 24h Vaporetto Ticket and ride along the Grand Canal. You will get to see all the Venetian style buildings and the beautiful city architecture.

Hop on Vaporetto No 2 and go to island of San Giorgio Maggiore. Situated in front of St Mark Square. The Church of the same name built in the 16th Century, has a bell tower that gives you a great view of Venice.

St Mark from San Giorgio MaggioreSan Giorgio Maggiore IslandSan Giorgio Maggiore IslandVenice from San Giorgio MaggioreVenice from San Giorgio Maggiore

Along the ride you will pass by the Cannaregio Neighborhood also known as the Jewish neighborhood.

Cannaregio NeighborhoodCannaregio NeighborhoodCannaregio Neighborhood

You will see the front of Palazzo Balbi and Ca Rezzonico ( artist Canaletto)

You will be able to admire Ca D’oro, the 15th Century Gothic Palace and the Venice Casino, the world’s oldest casino built in 1638.

Casino Di VeneziaCa D’Oro

Day 3:

Don’t lock yourself in the museums and explore the Dorsoduro neighborhood by foot instead

Start your walk at Rialto Bridge. The Bridge is being restored but you can still enjoy one side of it. Have a Gelato at Gelateria Da Suso. Great way to start your walk around Venice.

Rialto BridgeGelateria Da Suso

Walk along the canal to get to San Toma Vaporatto Stop. From there you can walk towards Frari Church inside of which you can see art from Venetian artist Titian. Along the walk you can see the Ca Fasconi University and Scuola Grande di San Rocco Museum where all the arts in the building are from artist Tintoretto. The best Gelato in the area can be found at Gelateria Il Doge.

Frari ChurchScuola Grande di San Rocco MuseumGelateria Il Doge

Around the same neighborhood, by Squero San Trovaso you can pass by a little construction site; it’s where they make the gondolas. Go to Gelateria Nico to get a Gelato and come back to watch them building the gondolas.

Gondola Construction Site by Squero San TrovasoGelati Nico

Walk towards the end of the island, Punta della Dogana, to go to Galleria dell Academia Museum and Peggy Guggenheim Museum. If you are not a museum person you should still go and see the Guggenheim garden. Gorgeous. Visit the Santa Maria della Salute Church and just relax by sitting on those stairs and admire the Grand Canal.

Santa Maria della Salute

Peggy Guggenheim Museum

Punta della dogna

Cross the Accademia Bridge and go to La Fenice Theater. If you have time, go see a representation at night. If not, you can take a tour of the inside during the day. If they are having rehearsals some parts of the theater will be closed.

La Fenice Theatre

P.S: The Accademia Bridge is the perfect stop to catch the sunset.

Venice

Must go places for Happy Hour and Dinner:

They are a lot of amazing places by Rialto Bridge in San Polo neighborhood that is full of locals and younger crowd contrary to the expensive cafes on St Mark Square. Try the local drink Spritz and eat Chiccheti Tapas at :

Naranzaria with Canal View

Naranzaria

Al Merca – Must go for happy hour as all the locals and students come to the piazza for a drink.

Al Merca

Cantina Do Mori

Cantina Do Mori

Bancogiro with Canal View

Cantina do Spade

Da Fiore

The good thing is that all those bars are next to each other … a bar crawl in Venice anybody?